(Newser)
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Taliban militants released Pakistan’s ambassador to Afghanistan today soon after the Pakistani government liberated over 40 Taliban fighters, a Pakistan security official said. The government has not yet given official details of Ambassador Tariq Azizuddin’s release. He had been kidnapped February 11, along with his driver and guard, on his way back to the Afghan capital; kidnappers passed him to fighters loyal to Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud, Reuters reports.

“I can confirm he is released, and he is safe and sound,” said a Foreign Ministry rep.